ABSTRACT
The new technologies have facilitated improved access to information and accelerated the speed of information transfer. As a result, libraries and information centers are faced with the challenges of managing the new electronic resources and assisting library patrons with using them. While CD-ROMs and online search services have been available for several years, patron access to the Internet and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) resources are the newest services provided by libraries. Electronic access has made the task of the reference librarian even more complex, since users tend to expect instant satisfaction of their information needs. In addition to these rising user expectations, the librarian has also to become teacher and trainer.
